Today, Sporting News’ recruiting writer Brian McLaughlin begins his position-by-position look at some of the top players across the country.

PRO-STYLE QUARTERBACKS

Kyle Bolin

Lexington Catholic (Lexington, Ky.)

6-3/185

Bolin says: “(Coaches) mostly talk about my footwork, decision making, accuracy and football instincts when it comes to the key attributes of my game.”

His take on schools: Bolin committed to Louisville and coach Charlie Strong last fall, but Cincinnati and Illinois were also hot on his heels. “Growing up, my parents really stressed character, so that was a main quality I looked for in a coach when deciding on a school. Coach Strong is a firm believer in character, and that’s what impressed me the most about him.”

Tyler Bruggman

Brophy College Prep (Phoenix)

6-2/195

Bruggman says: “The main thing that coaches say they like about me is my decision-making, the ability to make checks at the line, accuracy and the ability to keep plays alive while keeping my eyes downfield.”

His take on schools: Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Michigan State and Purdue have all offered, but Bruggman says he’s wide open.

MORE POSITION ANALYSES

Browne says: “At first, my size and ability to make all the throws is a plus—secondly, my fundamentals. I have great coaches and do a good job with my form when moving in the pocket. Lastly, my decision-making as a QB—I threw 50 touchdowns with only 13 interceptions my sophomore year and 45 TDs to seven interceptions my junior year. Cutting my interceptions in half was a huge part of our offense’s success this past year.”

His take on schools: Browne, Sporting News' top-rated recruit, committed to USC in early April over Oklahoma, Washington and Alabama.

RECRUITING CENTRAL

Christian Hackenberg

Fort Union Military Academy (Fort Union, Va.)

6-4/210

Hackenberg says: “Coaches like my size, athleticism and arm strength and accuracy. I think that my desire to want to be a student of the game and all of those other things I just listed make me a BCS quarterback.”

His take on schools: He committed to Penn State at the end of February over Alabama, Florida, Miami, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Bucky Hodges

Salem (Va.)

6-6/215

Hodges says: “(Coaches) love the way I throw the ball and my IQ for the game. I know what’s going to happen next. They also love the way I make plays with my feet … I throw first, but I can make plays with my feet.”

His take on schools: He chose Virginia Tech in late April over Virginia, Ohio State, Illinois, East Carolina and Maryland.

Kyle Kempt

Washington (Massillon, Ohio)

6-5/200

Kempt says: “I feel that my size and long frame has helped me with recruiting as well because of the weight and muscle that can be added to it through collegiate workouts. … I’m going to hurt defenses through the air with accuracy and smart decision-making and that’s what college coaches see in me as well.”

His take on schools: He committed to Cincinnati over offers from Indiana, Stanford, Tennessee and West Virginia as well as several MAC schools.

Eddie Printz

Lassiter (Marietta, Ga.)

6-4/200

Printz says: “The thing that every coach says is I can make every throw accurately while under pressure. They love my film and they say my read progression is spot on when recognizing defensive coverage and pressures. They also like my mental toughness and that I play with an edge.”

His take on schools: UCLA and new head coach Jim Mora received Printz’s commitment in January. Mora’s connections to Georgia, from his Atlanta Falcons days, helped immensely. “Jim Mora reminds me of my father. He will push me to be the best person and player I can be. He hates to lose, just like me.”

Cody Thomas

Heritage (Colleyville, Texas)

6-5/210

Thomas says: “(Coaches) like my toughness, my presence in the pocket and my ability to extend plays. I think my playmaking ability, preparation and overall competitiveness sets me apart from others. I strive to be the hardest working quarterback in the nation every day, and anything less is unacceptable.”

His take on schools: Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Michigan State, Ole Miss, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech and USC are among his offers. “I’d say I’m wide open right now, and I’m just looking for the best fit for me.”

One under the radar to watch

Ryan Buchanan

Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.)

6-4/205

What the coaches are saying: Buchanan is a big kid with SEC potential, but coaches are still evaluating him. He’ll undoubtedly land more offers before the summer.

His take on schools: Being in SEC country, he only has one offer from the conference so far—Mississippi State—but that number will go up soon. “Getting the Mississippi State offer is a huge deal for me. … I’m talking to Arkansas and Auburn and of course, Ole Miss. … I want to go to Arkansas and Auburn for some spring practices.” Syracuse has also offered.